“The magnitude of that kind of renovation, especially with young kids at home, was too much at once,” Romero says. “So we pressed pause—but we didn’t stop planning.”

The design team completed a full interior layout anyway, mapping out the future kitchen and adjoining spaces. That foresight informed what would become Phase 1: transforming the backyard into a cozy, functional outdoor living area that aligned perfectly with the eventual interior remodel.

“As we were developing the exterior plans, we already had a game plan for the inside so we wouldn’t have to re-do any work,” Romero says. 

By squaring off the home’s rear exterior wall—removing a bulky bay window in the process—Romero set the stage for future interior changes while giving the family a beautiful new place to relax right now.

A poured concrete patio with a checkerboard design adds texture and elevates the surface. “We created the look by saw-cutting diamond shapes into the concrete instead of using tile,” Romero explains. “It’s a smart way to save on cost while giving them that look.”

At one end of the patio, a stone fireplace draws family and friends together year-round; at the other, an outdoor kitchen with a grill, drink fridge, and porcelain countertop makes entertaining easy. A standing-seam metal roof shelters the space, with warm cedar tongue-and-groove planks beneath, adding a layer of coziness and craftsmanship.

Though the front of the home remains classic brick, Romero introduced a custom blend of stone to the rear fireplace for a softer, more natural texture. “The softness of stone is just a touch cozier,” she says.

For the homeowners, this project offers the best of both worlds—an inviting, livable extension of their home now and a thoughtful foundation for the next chapter.

“It’s a space they can enjoy every day,” Romero says. “And when the time comes to move inside, everything will already flow together beautifully.”